Anne Kathya Nelson, Esq.
On the morning of January 26, 2021 the gates of heaven opened and God called on his favorite daughter, Labor Law Attorney Anne Kathya Nelson to come home. She was only 43 years young.
Kathya was born on March 23, 1977 in Nyack, NY to Julienne and Gregoire Nelson. She was the third of four children. She attended St Ann School and Nyack High school. She then obtained a Bachelor of science in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Masters in Public Administration from Nelson A. Rockefeller College at the University at Albany. She was awarded with the United States Presidential Management Fellowship (formerly known as the U.S. Presidential Management Internship). She worked at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and within that time, Kathya also obtained a law degree from Pace Law School. Kathya worked as Senior Counsel for the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), the largest union in the State of New York, where she represented teachers and school-related professionals in disciplinary and employment-related matters.
Kathya was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Omicron Epsilon Zeta Chapter in Albany, NY. She was also a member of Tau Gamma Zeta Chapter while in Rockland. She was a true example of Finer Womanhood and served in various roles as scholarship/social action committee chairs and spearheaded fundraising efforts. She actively participated in community service, coordinated events and engaged in local, regional, national events and conferences. She was an advocate of scholarship programs. Her strength showed in the very essence of her womanhood and the service given to others.
Kathya also volunteered with Habitat-for-Humanity and the Preeclampsia Foundation, a cause very dear to her heart. She was the coordinator of the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia in the Capital District in 2013.
A proud mother, nothing was more apparent than her unconditional love for her children. She was protective of her children and ensured that they did not want for anything. Throughout her battle with cancer over the years she continued to take her children to all their extra-curricular activities whether it was swimming for her son Demetrius or cheerleading, ballet and piano lessons for her daughter Kendyll.
Kathya is preceded in death by her daughter Kennedy Jhiselle Stephenson. She is survived by her children Demetrius Julian Stephenson and Kendyll Jordan Stephenson; her parents Julienne Adrienne and Gregoire Robelin; her siblings Marie, Johny (Kalia) and Carl; her nephew Tyler; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Kathya will be greatly missed.